JAMIE REDKNAPP: Scott Parker's award is a victory for his honesty in a game blighted by cheats

23 April 2011 01:55

In an age where it seems acceptable for modern footballers to be obsessed with diving and feigning injury to achieve an advantage, Scott Parker's award is also a victory for his honesty.

It is proof that football is still in good hands when players like Parker and Jamie Carragher are proving their value each week in the Barclays Premier League.

It's easier for the eye-catching flair players at the elite clubs to win awards. Scott has won this because he has carried West Ham all season. The Hammers might have been relegated just after Christmas were it not for his influence.

Integrity: Scott Parker (right) has been in impressive form for West Ham

Whether he stays at Upton Park beyond the summer may be determined by what happens next. I know he is committed to that club and, in many ways, it is the right place for him. The supporters there especially love a player who performs with pride in the shirt; think Carlos Tevez and Paolo Di Canio before. Both were revered for their effort and passion. They played as if they cared.

International man:Scott Parker featured against Denmark in February

This season, Scott has played with more confidence, he's added goals to his repertoire and, as I have written before, every team needs a Scott Parker.

He thrives on making other players look better and, finally, the England manager Fabio Capello has recognised that. I still cannot believe he didn't make the World Cup 23 last summer.

This year's award could have gone to Charlie Adam, Gareth Bale or Dimitar Berbatov, but Scott stood out for his effort and desire. And for the best season of his career.

I should declare here that he is a good friend of mine. When I called him to offer my congratulations, he was typically modest and honoured to have been voted Footballer of the Year.

I have been to the presentation nightevery year since I retired. One piece of advice I have offered him is that he won't fully understand the significance of winning until he stands up at the London Lancaster Hotel to give his acceptance speech onMay 12.

When he looks up, he will see giant posters of George Best, Stanley Matthews, Bobby Moore, Kenny Dalglish and a roll call of the other winners around the room. It will be an emotional moment, but one that he richly deserves.

West Ham's talismanic midfielder Scott Parker voted player of the year by the Football Writers AssociationThe PFA gave it to Bale, but as voters go to the polls, who IS football's No 1?Brilliant Bale wins PFA player of the year as Wilshere scoops young player awardBale and Wilshere feature in PFA Premier League Team of the Year